THE SIMPLE STEPS TO MEAL PREP Save time, energy and money by planning and preparing a week’s worth of meals at once. Get started with these simple meal prep steps below.
in, doing things that needed to get done,” said Green. “Shanika played a big part, too, entertaining them, which was important. We worked together.” Green is grateful that for the many grandparents raising grandchildren today there’s more help available and those grandparents aren’t as alone as they may sometimes feel. One good, strong support system, in her case her two daughters and husband, can make all the difference. Shanika says Green became their family’s rock during a devastating time, holding the family together, raising her sister’s children to be productive, compassionate citizens. All six of the children Green raised graduated with honors, with two of her grandchildren now in the military and one a corrections officer.
Simpler Is Better. Choose recipes that call for simple ingredients — ones that can be used in a variety of meals, like onions, peppers and brown rice.
Use Your Freezer. Double up. Make extra food and store it in the freezer. Then, just reheat for a fast meal throughout the week!
Pick Chicken. Buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to sandwiches, tacos, salads and more.
“My mom gets her joy from making others happy.” Shanika Green
Prep on Weekends. Or any time. Spend some time at the store, and then the kitchen. Get your kids involved too!
Though the family went through a period of time where talking about the daughter, sister and mother they lost was too painful, now they find great joy in being reminded of Freedom through her oldest daughter. “Her facial expressions, her hand gestures, everything,” remarks Green of the similarities. “When we get together we’re always saying, ‘Your mom would have said or done that.’” Green laughingly recalls Freedom “never did things my way, always her own way.” She also remembers that even when money was tight, Freedom focused on creating positive memories for her children with picnics on the living room floor or a special trip to the movies. “She was always happy,” said Green. A lesson clearly learned from her mom.
Another helpful tip? Try our Daily Meal Planner!
Find it — and tons of easy, healthy recipes — at
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HEALTHY MEXICAN CASSEROLE | CAULIFLOWER CHICKEN FRIED RICE CHICKEN SALAD SALAD
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY 2020 15
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